Best pre-ceramic Submariner reference

[J!m]

1680 and 5512 for me.

[petemoss]

16610 (without the lug holes)

[Meyrin]

14060 2-liner...

[rmagoo57]

How long do you plan to own it?? If forever, look for anything unpolished and in "NOS" condition. Best option IMO is a 14060M or 16610 from 2009-2011. M, G or random serial. I'm on my 3rd and final 14060M - a like new one that I'll take to my grave!

[Chester01]

That's up to you, and im a bit bias, but the 16610. Last of the tool watch and still very robust. Nothing I dont do with mine. I like the look of the old 60 and 70's models, but harder and harder to source parts, and not sure about water resistance and corrosion if one actually wears it and uses it as a daily.

[Armis]

Originally Posted by rmagoo57

How long do you plan to own it?? If forever, look for anything unpolished and in "NOS" condition. Best option IMO is a 14060M or 16610 from 2009-2011. M, G or random serial. I'm on my 3rd and final 14060M - a like new one that I'll take to my grave!

Agreed, the 14060m is great. Do you have 3 of these, or did you serially replace each one and now on your third?
These have gone up in price.

[PepsiBezel]

I have to go with the 16610LV. It have the vintage proportions (and thin lugs), with the nice maxi dial and awesome green bezel!

[joli160]

Must be a 4 digit whereby the 5512 comes to mind.
Any 5 digit is lacking the vintage charm.

[Galaga167]

Originally Posted by PepsiBezel

Attachment 1390299

I have to go with the 16610LV. It have the vintage proportions (and thin lugs), with the nice maxi dial and awesome green bezel!

[SearChart]

14060M and 1680 for me.

[thesharkfactor]

16613

[jb335]

I am shocked only a couple people have said 5513! Specifically with a matte dial.

Edit: reread and see OP needs to be under 20k with a complete set. Now I understand the answers. Carry on.


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[THC]

I am biased

[Harmon Rabb]

Owned my 1960’s era 5513 around 20 years at this time and never had any issues using it daily. Of course it’s harder to source vintage parts if something happens. But there has never been any problem servicing the movement or keeping the watch waterproof so far.

With that said. It is probably much easier and less expensive to source a nice 14060m these days. I would miss the plastic crystal and the mate or gloss dial without the gold surroundings of the index dots. The vintage bracelets are also a nice touch on an older 5513 from the 60’s.

[Dom9]

Pre-rehaut engraved 16610LV for me, with that budget!. 5513/1680 are classics and definitely to be considered... Tudor Snowflake (e.g. 9411/0) for something vintage, cheap/easy to service could be a shout [ok, I am biased]?

[travisb]

Completely individual. I love all Subs but my choices would be 14060m and 16610LV.

[faimag]

mmm, best for what? I love the 1680 matte but for daily wear I'd opt for 14060/16610.

[JoeSiR]

Last production years of 5 digits would be my choice :16610 (2009-2010) or 14060 (2010-2012)

[Watchnut224]

14060 last of the nice proportions with a sapphire crystal.

[Maleg]

5513

[Gerry62]

I would choose 16600 too

[sofmore]

16600 would be my pick

[subprimero]

14060m/16610lv.

[piratfisk]

If I had to pick one from this gen, it would be a 16613 with a serti dial. https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-bl...erti-dial.html Edit: or is it the 16808?

[faz]

Originally Posted by brandrea

14060m

[Jefferyasher]

14060m 2 lines

[ascalise]

5513, 5513, 5513, maybe 14060m

[Mirx]

16610

[jjfesq]

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[Subb]

If youre looking for a pre-ceramic submariner, the 5513 is definitely a classic choice, Other popular references to consider within your budget range could be the 14060 or the 16610. Just make sure to do your research, Happy hunting!